CONCERTA VERSUS ADDERALL

[DANA]

Currently, I am without medical coverage, due to my husband's loss in job. Without the insurance, we can not pay the huge amount for my Adderall. I checked with the pharmacy and Adderall cost nearly $500 for self-pay. OMG!

I only have 4 days left of my Adderall. Once it is gone, I will not be able to continue taking this medication.

In the meanwhile, I have 18 mg Concerta that will last for 3 1/2 weeks. It was actually prescribed for my daughter, but she did not have a good response and she was switched to Ritalin, which works very well for her.

I have decided to consider taking the 18 mg Concerta since I have it and it is an alternative stimulant to take when my Adderall runs out soon. Does anyone know if the dosage of Adderall is equal to Concerta? For example, is 18 mg Concerta the same as taking 20 mg of Adderall?

[Cathie]

Have you tried the generic for Adderall? I know it's not as effective for some folks, but it works just as well for me and it would be a lot cheaper for you.

[DANA]

I use the generic right now......I will have to inquire how much generic is versus the original form. Thanks for bringing up a good point!

[Shanna McGee]

I want to say it takes almost twice as much Concerta (not quite) to equal the same effective dosing as adderall. I'm not 100% on this, but I think I had a conversation about this with my mom when my brother was taking Concerta.

I have to agree with the idea of looking into the generic adderall, and I have heard there are a couple of generics (I've heard blue and orange). The generic I get is called "Amphetamine," and they are small orange pills that are tabbed(I think is the word, so that they can be broken easily). I don't know if they are any less effective than name brand Adderall, but for 60 (of any strength, I take 30 mg) they are $28 and some change at United (it is about double everywhere else). But if you can get that at even a remotely similar price, you'd be doing well.

Even though you probably had your answer before now, I hope something here helped.

[DANA]

Shanna, I take the generic form of Adderall called Amphetamine Salts, blue pills, 20 mg once daily.
Guess how much the cheapest pharmacy charged me? $66 Walgreens. This is for OUT OF POCKET, not with medical insurance.

My huge issue right now is NOT having medical insurance and the fact that my psychiatrist will NOT increase my dosage to meet my ADDer needs. I take the original form of Adderall and it lasts for only 3-4 hours.

My psychiatrist does not seem to be the least bit concerned with the fact that AFTER my Adderall is no longer working, I am back to struggling with inattention, lack of motivation, lack of organization, losing things and forgetting things. (Once again, it is never a dull moment over here with me!)